Tips on Buying Used Cellphone

MisterCMT

Here are some tips when buying a second hand phone from a total stranger.

  1. Always ask for the ESN if it is clean
  2. If you can get the IMEI just to be sure that the phone will work once you already have it, that is better.  Ask the seller if he/she can text it to you by dialing *#06#
  3. Make sure to meet in front or near the network provider of the phone just to be sure that the phone is not stolen or blocked.
  4. Ask the seller if the phone is unlocked
  5. Be sure that the phone will work on your network provider (some network providers in the US does not allow other phones that are not offered by them, Verizon and T-Mobile are notorious for this)
  6. 20150906_000616-1Be sure that the phone has a charger or is fully charged before you buy it.  You just want to be sure that the charging port is working or just to be sure carry a charger with you.
  7. Do not say “I will buy it or I will get it” right away.  Tell the seller you wish to check the condition of the phone first before you decide.
  8. Check if the phone parts are all intact and in good shape, you don’t want to bring home a phone falling apart.
  9. When buying a used cellphone make sure that you are getting a20150906_000627-1 GSM, most networks now are offering GSM phones that uses SIM cards, because this can be unlocked and you can just pop your sim card in and you are ready to go.  CDMA does not use sim cards so it is only specific to certain network provider.
  10. Lastly, be sure to know the market price of the latest model, this will be your gauge to know if you are getting rip off by the seller.  Most used cellphones when traded or sold back to mobile companies has a very low price of not higher than $75!  Yes! So if the seller says its brand new and the box is open tell them to cut the price off from 30% or even higher!

Be practical! Be wise! Buying a used phone is just like getting a new one, as long as you know what you are buying you will never go wrong.